“La Naumon”, the first theatre vessel in the world to sail with wind-assisted propulsion technology

• The manufacturing and commissioning of bound4blue’s technology, together with its installation by Astander, are co-funded by the European Union, in the framework of the GREENing the Blue project (CINEA – European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency).

• The project aims to promote the use of wind power to propel vessels, thus reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.

Santander / Barcelona, 22 December 2021. bound4blue has successfully installed an 18-meter-high eSAIL^® on “La Naumon”, the theatre vessel of the world-acclaimed La Fura dels Baus, and the production company Elipsis Onboard. The rigid sail, equipped with a tilting mechanism and an autonomous control system, is a cost-effective and proven technology to comply with International Maritime Organization emissions reduction regulations, such as the upcoming EEXI and CII measures.

José Miguel Bermúdez, CEO of bound4blue: “Our rigid sails are quick and simple to install. Before the installation, a detailed vessel transformation project is performed and submitted to the Class Society and Flagging State for approval. Later, prior to the installation, the foundation and electrical work is completed. The installation can then be performed afloat, like in the case of “La Naumon”, during a scheduled drydocking or during any port call, as the operation takes less than a day.”

This installation, approved by DNV-GL, has been done within the framework of the GREENing the Blue project, co-funded by the European Union. The Spanish shipyard Astander has participated in the project leading all the installation phases of the sail and the German company Lanitz Aviation has tested new lightweight materials to be applied in the maritime sector.

Juan Luis Sánchez, Director of Astander: “Reducing CO₂ is one of the most ambitious goals for the maritime industry in upcoming years and installing this sail helps ships consume less fuel without losing competitive performance, and therefore, emit less. GREENing the BLUE is the first rigid sail installation project for Astander, and we can highlight that collaborating with bound4blue has been a great opportunity. It has been a great start and we hope to have the opportunity to work on more similar projects with other shipowners.”

The suction sail, in addition to co-propelling “La Naumon”, will also be the main stage of the wind theatre. Carlus Padrissa, Creative Director of La Fura dels Baus: “I imagine the eSAIL slowly rising to the magical wind of music, pyrotechnics, and light. A trapeze artist with the wings of a butterfly, representing the transformation of renewable and circular energy, will fly anchored at its tip. It will be an immersive and global show that will provoke change and ignite consciences.”

*The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union.

About bound4blue

bound4blue develops modern automated wind-assisted propulsion systems as a turnkey solution for all shipowners and shipping companies looking to reduce fuel costs and pollutant emissions. The bound4blue eSAIL^® system is an optimal solution for saving fuel and reducing emissions: fully automated, low cost, low maintenance, and easy onboard installation.

The company, founded in 2014 with a clear vision on renewable energy applied to maritime transport, currently has its head office in Cantabria (Spain), with offices in Barcelona and Singapore. In 2021, the company installed its eSAIL^® system on two vessels and has signed additional agreements with other shipowners to extend the system to their fleets beyond 2021. For more information

About Astander

Astander has 150 years of experience repairing and transforming all types of ships. It is one of the leading shipyards in this sector thanks to its quality and safety standards, as well as the trust placed in it by its customers. All these years have been possible thanks to Astander adapting to new technologies. One of its current strategic lines focuses on digital and ecological transformation; one of the powerhouse shipyards in adapting ships to new international regulations that promote the use of renewable energies and more environmentally friendly technologies. As a shipyard that is specialized in transformations, Astander has carried out various projects to adapt ships to these new demands: installing systems to reduce emissions, processing ballast water, improving propulsion efficiency, and the use of new fuels. For more information

About Lanitz Aviation

Lanitz Aviation is a German company specialized in solutions for the aeronautical industry. Air sport has a tradition in Lanitz. They also test their general aviation products for their suitability in daily use. The company was founded in 1975, production was launched in 1985 under the name ORACOVER^®, aviation authorization was issued in 1998 and in 2013 the company got its first certification from EASA/LBA. For more information

About La Naumon

La Naumon is an itinerant theatre-ship led by La Fura dels Baus, offering art, innovation, and sustainability as a response to the world’s challenges. It is also a forum for dissemination and debate, and one more evidence that we all live on a planet full of challenges. Around 500 years ago a crew embarked on the greatest adventure in history. Together they went around the world for the first time. La Naumon remembers this epic achievement going a step further. The ship will be a large floating stage, ideal for macro shows of La Fura dels Baus, which can be seen from the pier or from the beach, and the hold will be equipped to host exhibitions and more intimate performances. The Naumon also has its own onboard laboratory as an ideal forum to do tests of innovation projects. It is also an ideal environment to develop new renewable energies and to analyze the impact of mankind on the planet. For more information,